Parting ways with a successful career and stable income source can be a difficult decision. However, it’s unavoidable for business owners looking to put all their effort into their business and grow it. In today’s episode of The Roadmap with Lee Heisman, Justin Farmer, CEO of Exit Wealth Advisors and Emmy-winning news anchor, discusses his career transition from broadcasting to pursuing his passion to opening his wealth management firm.
Farmer is widely renowned for his award-winning career as a journalist and has worked for several high-profile news organizations, including CNN, ABC, and Channel 2 Action News (WSB-TV). He began his career as a sportscaster before transitioning into news after 9/11. Despite his success in broadcasting, he always had a passion for investing and finances. In November of 2024, he left his full-time position as a news anchor with WSB-TV to open Exit Wealth Advisors.
Farmer’s decision to step away from broadcasting was not made lightly. The transition required extensive planning, education, and a willingness to embrace a new identity outside the newsroom. Here are some of the lessons and insights he gathered during his journey:
Identify your transferrable skills
Farmer credits his broadcasting career with teaching him how to be a good listener, and this skill has transferred into his new role. His ability to listen attentively and process complex information lets him decipher his client’s needs and understand their goals more easily.
Beyond his ability to listen, Farmer emphasizes the importance of trust and clear communication—two skills he honed as a journalist. Just as he once translated complex news stories into digestible reports for viewers, he now helps clients navigate intricate financial decisions with clarity and confidence. He understands that financial planning, much like journalism, requires breaking down complicated topics into actionable insights.
Additionally, he points out that storytelling remains a crucial skill, even in the financial world. As a journalist, he told stories that informed and influenced the public. Now, he crafts financial narratives that help clients see the bigger picture of their wealth, legacy, and long-term goals.
Take the time to self-reflect
Before leaving a stable job, individuals thinking of making a career shift into entrepreneurship should self-reflect. Farmer stresses that passion alone isn’t enough–one must align that passion with a purpose and a clear plan. Some great questions to ask oneself are:
- “What am I passionate about?”
- “How can I lean into my passion to create a business?”
- “How do I get into that business?”
- “What do I need to learn or skills are required to do it well?”
For Farmer, the answers led him to years of self-studying in investing and financial planning and earning the necessary credentials to make his transition successful. Sometimes, it may require returning to school or obtaining certifications. Still, the investment in knowledge will pay off in the long run.
Build a strong foundation before making the leap
While making a career shift can be daunting, Farmer believes preparation and adaptability are key. He spent years studying investing while still in journalism, ensuring he had a strong foundation before making the leap. Although the grind can be exhausting, remaining patient and strategic is crucial.
Transitioning into a new industry doesn’t happen overnight; success comes from aligning passion with preparation. By setting the groundwork early, entrepreneurs can mitigate uncertainty and set themselves up for long-term success.
Farmer’s journey from the newsroom to the financial sector is a testament to the power of reinvention. His story proves that with the right mindset, preparation, and willingness to adapt, professionals can successfully pivot into new careers—even in entirely different industries.
"Just because you can do something and you've been good at something for a long time doesn't mean that's the only thing you want to do. I wanted to push myself, and I wanted to lean into a passion of mine and turn it into a profession." – Justin Farmer
